Terracotta rim fragment of a kylix (drinking cup)
Unknown Artist
second quarter of the 5th century BCE
Medium
Terracotta
Classification
Vases
Culture & Period
Greek, Attic · Classical
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Dietrich von Bothmer, Distinguished Research Curator, Greek and Roman Art, 2011
Accession Number
2011.604.1.2060
Art Historical Context
This delicate terracotta rim fragment from kylix, a shallow drinking cup popular in ancient Greece, hails from Attic workshops in the second quarter of 5th century BCE Dating to the heart of the Classical period, captures the pinnacle of Athenian artistry during an era of unparalleled cultural flourishing—think Pericles' Athens, with its thriving democracy, philosophy, and symposia (lively drinking parties). Though only a fragment survives, it hints at the vessel's elegant form, designed for easy handling while reclining at banquets. Attic vases like this kylix were not mere pottery but canva...